Karukudi Sri Sargunalingeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Karukudi Sri Sargunalingeswarar Temple Karukudi, Marudhanallur-612 402.Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur district. PH:9943523852

Deity

Sargunalingeswarar Amman: Athvainayagi

Introduction

Karukudi Sargunalingeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Karukudi in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India.The historical name of the place is Marudhanallur. The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Sargunalingeswarar. His consort is known as Advaita Nayaki. Presiding Deity is called as Sarguna Lingeswarar / Karukudi Nathar / Brahmapureeswarar and Mother is called as Advaita Nayaki / Kalyani Nayagi / Sarvalankara Nayaki. The Temple is also considered as Parihara sthalam for Vasthu related issues.This Temple is considered as one of 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Thirugnana Sambandar.This temple is considered as the 186th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 69th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Theertham : Yama Theertha

Puranic Significance

Ancient Names & Historical Mentions

• Marudhanallur was historically known as Karukkudi and Marudhanthanallur.
• Several inscriptions have been found in the temple, though some were misplaced during renovation, making them illegible.
• One inscription mentions Chola King Kulothunga Chola III, indicating the temple’s Chola-era significance.
• The neighboring village, Enanallur, is the birthplace of Enadi Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars.
• The temple is under the administration of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE), Government of Tamil Nadu.
• The last Kumbabishekam (consecration ceremony) was conducted on June 11, 2011.

Mythological Legends

Lord Rama and the Hanumantha Linga

• During his exile, Lord Rama stayed here before proceeding to Lanka.
• He wanted to perform Shiva Pooja and asked Hanuman to bring a Shiva Lingam from Kasi (Varanasi).
• As Hanuman delayed, Rama made a Lingam with sand (Prithvi Linga) and completed his Pooja.
• The hand impression of Lord Rama can still be seen on this Lingam.
• The base of the Lingam is made of stone, and it is always covered with a metal sheet (Kuvalai). No Abhishekam is performed directly.
• When Hanuman finally returned with a Lingam, it was installed in the prakaram (outer courtyard) and is known as Hanumantha Linga.

Brahmapureeswarar – Worship by Lord Brahma

• Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple.
• Hence, Lord Shiva here is revered as Brahmapureeswarar.

Sarguna Lingeswarar – Worship by a Pandya King

• A Pandya King and his minister worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple.
• In honor of their devotion, Lord Shiva is called Sarguna Lingeswarar.
• The idols of the Pandya king Sargunan and his minister are present in the temple.

Legend of Relief from Leprosy

• A trader named Danajaya unknowingly had an illicit relationship with his stepmother, leading to leprosy as divine punishment.
• Seeking relief, he prayed at this temple to Lord Shiva.
• Lord Shiva cured his disease, and the temple became a sacred place for those seeking relief from leprosy.
• Even today, people suffering from leprosy visit this temple for divine healing.

Spiritual Significance

• This temple is associated with Lord Rama’s devotion to Shiva.
• It is considered a powerful site for worship to overcome delays, obstacles, and sins.
• Devotees seeking health, relief from skin diseases, and marital harmony visit this temple.

Beliefs

Those suffering from leprosy pray to Lord Shiva here. It is the staunch faith of the patients that their prayer will certainly be responded by the Lord. Devotees also prayer here for absolving their sins and to get rid of marriage obstacles. The Temple is also considered as Parihara sthalam for Vasthu related issues. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother, offer vastras and feed the poor.

Special Features

Temple Structure & Orientation

• The temple faces east and has a single prakaram (outer courtyard).
• The entrance arch features a stucco image of Ardhanareeswarar, flanked by Nandis and Bhooda Ganas.
• Nandi and Balipeedam are positioned immediately after the entrance, facing the sanctum.
• Notably, there is no flag staff (Dwajastambam) in the temple.

Sanctum & Presiding Deity

• The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of:
  • Sanctum (Garbhagriha)
  • Ardha Mandapam (Intermediate Hall)
  • Maha Mandapam (Main Hall)
• The presiding deity is Sarguna Lingeswarar / Karukudi Nathar / Brahmapureeswarar, facing east in Lingam form.
• The Lingam is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested) and is very small in size.
• Signs on the Lingam indicate it was made of sand.
• The Avudayar (base pedestal) is made of stone.
• Abhishekam is not performed directly on the Lingam due to its sand composition; it is always covered with a metal Kavasam before performing rituals.

Koshta Deities (Niche Idols around Sanctum)

• Narthana Vinayagar (Dancing Ganesha) – flanked by Bhooda Ganas.
• Veenadhara Dakshinamoorthy – accompanied by two Sanakathi sages (instead of the usual four).
• Brahma
• Lingothbhavar – with Lord Vishnu and Brahma in worshipping posture on either side.
  • This offers a rare darshan of the Hindu Trinity (Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma).
• Durga
• Chandikeswarar in his usual location.

Shrine for Goddess Parvati (Mother Shrine)

• The Goddess is known as Advaita Nayaki / Kalyani Nayagi / Sarvalankara Nayaki.
• She is housed in a separate east-facing shrine, located to the right of the sanctum.
• The east-facing posture of both Lord and Mother signifies their wedding posture.
• A statue of trader Danajaya, in a worshipping pose, is placed before the Mother shrine.
• Idols of Chola King Kulothunga III, Pandya King Sargunan, and his minister can also be seen here.

Sub-Shrines & Unique Features

Hanumantha Lingam Shrine

• A separate shrine for Hanumantha Lingam exists within the temple premises.
• Nandi is positioned facing the Hanumantha Lingam.

Lord Murugan Shrine

• A shrine for Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai is present.
• Murugan’s vehicle, the peacock, is looking towards the earth, indicating Vasthu Dosha Nivarthi (rectification of vastu defects).
• Devotees worship Lord Murugan here for Vasthu-related issues.

Other Shrines in the Temple

• Sakthi Vinayagar
• The four Tamil Saivite Saints – Thirugnana Sambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar, Manickavasagar
• Gaja Lakshmi
• Suryan (Sun God) & Chandran (Moon God)
• Bala Subramanya
• Navagrahas (Nine Planets)
• Bala Saneeswarar (Young Saturn)
• A Shiva Linga with Mother Goddess
• Bhairavar (A fierce form of Shiva)

Sacred Pond & Holy Tree

• Theertham (Temple Tank) – Kari Theertham / Yama Theertham
• Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree) – Vilva Tree

Festivals

Vaikasi Visakam (May-Jun), Vinayakar Chaturthi (Aug-Sep), Navaratri (Sep-Oct), Skanda Shashti & Aippasi Annabishekam (Oct–Nov), Thiru Karthikai (Nov-Dec), Markazhi Thiruvadhirai (Dec-Jan) and Masi Shivrathri (Feb-Mar) are the festivals celebrated in this Temple with much fanfare. Sankabishegam is celebrated on all Mondays (Somavaram) in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec). Pradosham is also observed regularly

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Karukudi

Nearest Railway Station

Kumbakonam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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